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Rome and Milan are two of the most popular destinations in Europe. Traveling by train between Italy's actual capital and its shopping capital is easy, affordable and fast. Let us tell you what your travel options are and how you can have a smooth Italian vacation by rail.

Video train route Rome - Milan

Train options for Rome to Milan

Traveling by high-speed train

The fastest way to travel from Rome to Milan is by taking the Le Frecce high-speed train . This modern and luxurious train will get you to your destination in just under 3 hours. For actual travel times, check out our timetable . If you're traveling with a Eurail Pass, you don't need to buy a ticket and only pay a reservation fee. We recommend you book your seats as far in advance as possible.

Traveling by regional train

Traveling by regional train from Rome to Milan means more travel time than by high-speed train. It also means you don't have to reserve a seat and can get off in charming Italian cities like Livorno and Pisa. If you have a Eurail Pass, you don't need to buy a ticket. You can travel on this train for free and get on and off whenever you like.

Eurail Passes

The Eurail Pass is a train pass that lets you travel on nearly every train in Europe. It comes in all shapes and sizes, so you can pick the one that best fits your vacation plans. Check out our Eurail Passes. If you're only looking to travel in Italy, the Eurail Italy Pass might be just the thing for you. Otherwise you can choose another pass and make this journey part of a larger, exciting European adventure!

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Find train tickets from Rome to Milan

Good to know, top tips for finding rome to milan train tickets.

• 25% of our users found round-trip train tickets from Rome to Milan for $44 or less.
• You will generally catch the best train deals if you travel in the morning.

FAQs when traveling from Rome to Milan by train

How long is a train journey to milan from rome.

The train journey from Rome to Milan takes 3h 33m on average and covers a distance of 295 miles.

What train companies travel from Rome to Milan?

Trenitalia is the only train operator serving this route.

Book Trenitalia tickets from Rome to Milan (round-trip)

Search by stops, search by train company, book trenitalia tickets from rome to milan (one-way), popular train routes to milan.

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From Rome to Milan: 4 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Shandley McMurray Jun 8, 2023

Packed with impressive tourist attractions and drool-worthy restaurants, Rome and Milan top the list of best places to visit in Italy . That's why so many visitors decide to see both cities in one trip. Luckily, this is easy to do with so many convenient ways to travel from one place to the next.

Set over 572 kilometers north of Rome , Milan is too far away to be considered a day trip destination . Its long list of landmark sights and impressive hotels make it the perfect place to spend a long weekend, though, and taking a train is an easy way to get there.

Flights are easy, too. And they take just over one hour to reach Milan. Other popular ways to travel include the bus, which is super cheap, and driving.

Use our list of the best ways to get from Rome to Milan to help plan your trip.

On This Page:

• From Rome to Milan by Train
• From Rome to Milan by Bus
• From Rome to Milan by Plane
• From Rome to Milan by Car

1. From Rome to Milan by Train

Taking the train is the easiest way to travel from Rome to Milan. In about three hours and 10 minutes , tourists can get from Rome Termini station to Milan Centrale.

Trenitalia's Frecciarossa trains are the high-speed option beloved by tourists and locals alike. They travel throughout the country and top out at a max speed of 360 kilometers per hour.

The Frecciarossa 1000 is even faster, reaching a high speed of 400 kilometers per hour. This train can make the journey from Rome to Milan in under three hours.

One-way tickets cost around $65, depending on which level of service you choose: Standard, Premium, Business, or Executive. Some tickets could be priced as low as $35. They depart Rome Termini multiple times a day and run as early as 5:10 am and as late as 11:55 pm.

TrenItalia's InterCity train is a much slower option, and it's not that much cheaper than the high-speed trains. Super Economy tickets cost about $21, while a basic fare can be as high as $70 or more in First Class. These trains are much slower than the Frecciarossa trains. These take almost seven hours and 45 minutes to reach Milan Centrale station from Rome Termini, and they depart multiple times daily.

Italo Treno also operates a route between Rome and Milan. The trains take as little as three hours and 10 minutes to run from Rome Termini to Milan Centrale. Tickets cost as low as $20 or more depending on the class, time, and date you choose to travel. They run from 5:40 am to 8:40 pm.

Italo Treno's trains also depart Rome's Tiburtina station and arrive in Milano Centrale many times a day, sometimes twice within an hour. They also offer trains that depart Rome's Tiburtina and Termini stations and arrive in Milan's Rho Fiera station in about four hours.

In addition, Italo Treno runs between Rome Termini and Tiburtina stations and Milan Rogoredo station.

Insider's tip: If you're planning to take the train more than once during your trip, save money by purchasing a Eurail Italy pass . A pass to travel within the country for three days in one month costs $145 per person, or $203 if you're hoping to travel for five days within one month.

2. From Rome to Milan by Bus

Taking a bus is the cheapest way to get from Rome to Milan . Be prepared — the journey is a long one. It could take anywhere from seven and a half to over 13 hours to reach Milan. While most buses include power outlets, air-conditioning, and reclining seats, it's still a long time to travel.

Flixbus boasts some of the most budget-friendly rates, with a ticket from Rome Tiburtina bus station to Milan's Lampugnano bus station costing as little as $10. Buses also depart from Rome Anagnina station to Milan San Donato and Sesto S.G. 1 stops. There are multiple buses offered daily.

Itabus is another popular company that runs the route between Rome Tiburtina and Milan Lampugnano. The journey takes about eight to eight and a half hours , depending on traffic, and costs about $14, depending on the class of ticket, date, and time you choose.

3. From Rome to Milan by Plane

Flying is the fastest way to get from Rome to Milan . It's also quite affordable. Italy's national carrier, ITA Airways , flies from Rome Fiumicino airport to Milan Linate multiple times a day, beginning at 7 am. The almost hourly direct flights can cost as little as $53 one way and take an hour and 10 minutes to fly between the two cities.

While you'll have to get yourself to and from the airport, there are many ways to do this quite easily. Taking a cab is the quickest option if there's no traffic, but The Leonardo Express travels from Rome Termini train station to the airport in 32 minutes. One-way tickets cost about $20, and the train leaves about every half hour.

The Terravision Shuttle Bus runs from Rome Termini train station beginning at 4:30 am. It takes about 45 minutes and costs about $6.50 for a one-way fare.

4. From Rome to Milan by Car

If you don't have a time-strapped agenda, driving is a good way to get from Rome to Milan. The most direct route covers over 572 kilometers in six hours and 15 minutes , without traffic. This route follows the A1 Autostrada to the E35 and passes many visit-worthy tourist attractions along the way.

The best part about driving is having the ability to stop whenever the mood strikes. Whether you're hankering for a pizza lunch or feel inspired by the scenery, driving allows you to take in more sights than other methods of traveling from Rome to Milan.

Be sure to take at least four hours to explore Florence or better yet, book a night or two in one of the city's fabulous resorts. One of the most majestic cities in Italy, this Tuscan masterpiece boasts some of the most spectacular tourist attractions, including stunning churches , vibrant piazzas, and captivating palaces .

Florence lies almost halfway between Rome and Milan, making it a perfect place to break up the long drive. An hour and a half farther north, you'll find the pretty town of Bologna , best known for its gastronomic delights. You'll want to arrive hungry in order to sample many of the area's most delicious delicacies.

When you aren't eating, take time out to enjoy the city's top attractions, like the always-buzzing Piazza Maggiore and San Petronio Basilica. Filled with fun things to do, Bologna is one of the best places to visit on a day trip from Florence .

From Bologna, Milan can be reached in about two and a half hours, just in time for dinner. Those wishing to stop in Parma can do so easily on this route. It boasts many interesting places to visit just an hour's drive away. From here, you can reach Milan in an hour and a half.

Note: Multiple rental car companies offer their services to tourists based within Rome. The most popular companies include Europcar , Sixt , and Hertz , which also boast train station and airport locations. Be sure to have cash or a debit/credit card on hand, as the route involves tolls.

More on Italy

How to Travel from Rome to Milan by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

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Rome and Milan are Italy's largest and second-largest cities, respectively, but sometimes they feel like they are cities in two different countries or eras. Rome is filled with millennia-old ruins and small, winding streets, while Milan is modern and chic with huge thoroughfares and luxury brands. Both places offer a uniquely Italian je ne sais quoi , and the best way to experience that is to visit them both.

Train travel is the preferred method of transportation in Italy, and trains run often and quickly. Tickets are affordable if you purchase them in advance, but just like flying, they get more expensive as your travel date gets closer. You could also fly between the two cities, but the airport hassles make the train a more appealing option. Last-minute planners can save a lot of money by booking a seat on a very long bus ride, or if you want to rent a car, you can leisurely enjoy the Tuscan countryside on your way north.

How to Get from Rome to Milan

Frequent trains run between Rome's Termini and Milan's Milano Centrale train stations. A few fast trains also leave from the Roma Tiburtina station. Trenitalia's high-speed Frecciarossa trains make the trip from Rome to Milan in as little as 3 hours, 10 minutes, although some take longer. Intercity (IC) trains take anywhere from six to eight hours but cost much less. You'll need to reserve a seat but you don't need to change trains to get between Rome and Milan. You can check current Rome to Milan schedules and ticket prices on the Trenitalia website.

Italy's privately owned high-speed rail line, Italo , also offers train service from Rome's Termini or Tiburtina stations to Milano Centrale, with some nonstop trains that make the trip in three hours. If you can plan ahead, Italo offers some great advance-purchase prices online, including for their Prima (first class) and Club (executive class) coaches.

Both Trenitalia and Italo offer dozens of daily high-speed trains from Rome to Milan (and vice-versa), with departures from around 5 a.m. until 8:50 p.m. With so many daily trains, you could just show up at the station and purchase your tickets on the day of travel, but you'll get the best deals if you book in advance online.

Both Rome and Milan have multiple train stations, so if you want to compare the schedules and prices for all stations without doing a new search every time, choose Roma (Tutte) for the departure city and Milano (Tutte) for the arrival city— tutte is Italian for "all" and will show you all available options.

Milan has three airports: the larger Milan Malpensa (MXP) with many international flights, the smaller Milan Linate (LIN) with flights mainly from other parts of Italy and Europe, and Bergamo Airport (BGY) which is outside of Milan and the farthest away. Italian airline Alitalia has several daily flights from Fiumicino Airport in Rome to all three Milan airports. Malpensa is the larger international airport, but Linate is much closer to the city center and a more convenient option for regional flights.

Flights to Milan usually cost about the same as trains, and even though time in the air is just over an hour, once you factor in all of the extra time it takes to commute to and from the airport, check-in, go through security, and wait at your gate, going by plane actually takes much longer than the train. The train takes you directly from city center to city center, and there are so many daily options you should have no problem finding a time that works for your schedule. As an added bonus, going by train is much friendlier to the planet.

If you're making spur-of-the-moment plans to go to Milan, train and flight prices may have skyrocketed, especially if you're traveling on a weekend or holiday. The bus takes much longer—usually between eight and 10 hours—but even same-day tickets could be as low as $20. It's a long ride and you'll lose either a day of travel or a night of restful sleep, so if you must resort to the bus, you might consider breaking up the trip and spending a day or two in one of the cities along the route, such as Florence or Bologna.

The most popular coach company is Flixbus , and be aware that the pick-up and drop-off points are not centrally located in either city. In Rome, the bus stops are either at Tiburtina station or Anagnina, and in Milan, most of them leave passengers at Lampugnano bus station. All of them are connected to their respective city center by public transportation, but don't forget to take that extra time into account.

If you are traveling by car, the A1 autostrada , or highway, runs between Rome and Milan and the trip can be made in about five and a half hours—although traffic in both cities can dramatically increase the driving time. Driving in the Rome and Milan city centers is not recommended and in many cases not allowed unless you're a resident. If you're arriving by car, try to choose a hotel that has parking and is not right in the historic center.

Driving in the cities is a headache, but the route itself is easy. Not only are Italian highways well-maintained, but you'll also be driving through the gorgeous Tuscan countryside. If you're in a hurry to get to Milan you can drive straight through, but the best way to take advantage of having a car is to stop along the way and enjoy the road trip. You'll drive right through Florence, Bologna, and countless quaint Italian towns that are worth your time.

Italian highways do use tolls based on the total number of kilometers you've driven, and since the drive from Rome to Milan is almost half the length of the entire country, expect to pay about 40 to 45 euros when you exit. You can pay by credit card, but foreign cards aren't always accepted, so it's a good idea to have euros on hand just in case.

What to See in Milan

Rome is the capital of Italy, but Milan is often considered the economic and cultural capital. Not only is it the center of high Italian fashion—being the home of renowned brands like Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Armani—but it's also seeping with history. Every large Italian city has a cathedral called a Duomo , but when anyone is talking about the Duomo, they're referring to the church in Milan. It's the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is a must-see site when visiting the city. Another famous piece of history is nearby in the Santa Maria della Grazie church, which houses Leonardo da Vinci's painting, "The Last Supper." Apart from shopping and sightseeing, Milan puts its own spin on Italian cuisine with typical dishes from the area like risotto and veal Milanese. One of Milan's most famous pastimes is aperitivo , the local version of happy hour where locals hang out at a bar, sip on an Aperol spritz, and enjoy buffets of food set out to snack on.

Thanks to high-speed trains, the ride takes three hours and 15 minutes to complete.

Rome is 356 miles (537 kilometers) from Milan.

One-way tickets on the train start at $44 depending on which train you choose and when you purchase your tickets.

To drive from Rome to Milan will take five hours and a half hours.

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Many trains in Italy and beyond offer a discounted fare between 30% & 50% off the Adult fare for Children.

The child offer is now extended to children ages 4 to 14 years when traveling on high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, Frecciargento, InterCity, InterCityNotte, EuroCity, and Thello trains. Your child will be assigned his/her own seat and children must be accompanied by an Adult when traveling on this offer.

Regional trains will still offer discounted fares for children ages 4 to 11 years.

Infants & Children 3 & under travel for free and will share a seat with the adult companion.

This option is for customers that have already purchased a Eurail Pass or InterRail Pass and wish to reserve seats or sleeping berths. Learn more about rail passes.

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As you can imagine, traveling by train between Italy’s two international centers is an easy and efficient experience. Many of Italy’s high-speed trains make the 297-mile journey in just 3 hours and 3 minutes.

Get ready to experience some truly remarkable scenery as you ride south through Italy’s Lombardy , Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany regions. Many trains stop in Bologna, Padua or Genoa en route to Rome. On the faster routes, you won’t be required to change trains. However, if you’re traveling on a slower and less expensive regional train , you may be required to transfer from one train to another.

Milan to Rome train times

High-speed trains leave Milano Centrale once or twice per hour for Rome's Termini station — averaging 90 trains per day. The earliest train leaves Milano Centrale at 5:00 a.m. The last train to Rome leaves Milan at 11:18 p.m. 

Note that weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service and sometimes longer travel times.

Amenities on the train between Milan and Rome

Many trains make the daily journey between Milan and Rome in just 3 hours and 3 minutes, traveling up to 155 miles per hour. 

Italy’s high-speed trains are equipped with air conditioning and electrical outlets at your seat to charge devices. There is wifi on trains, but the signal will drop in tunnels and at stations. Expect a cafe car on every train , as well as food cart that brings snacks, sandwiches and beverages to your seat. At the end of each car you’ll find a restroom and plenty of racks to store large luggage .

Located at the northern end of the city center, Milan Centrale is a hub for Milan’s Metro, tram and bus networks. Here you can catch high-speed trains to Italian and international destinations, as well as inter-city and regional trains to smaller cities and towns. Milan Central is also the destination for the Malpensa Express, which goes to Milan’s main airport.

Termini is Rome’s large, international train station and the main transportation hub for public transportation in Rome. Located in the center of the city, Roma Termini provides daily service to all major Italian cities as well as many major European cities. From Termini you can also catch the Leonardo Express train to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino airport.

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Italy launches new night train from Rome to Puglia this summer

Espresso salento to run on select dates in summer 2024 ..

Italy is launching a new express overnight rail service between Rome and the southern Puglia region, as part of a tourist train initiative, on select dates this summer.

The Espresso Salento, one of the latest FS Treni Turistici Italiani services, will connect the Italian capital with the Puglia city of Lecce, starting from 18 July.

In a statement, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane said the new route is designed to link Rome with the busy summer destination "in a sustainable way, making the journey itself part of the holiday".

Travellers depart from Rome at 21.10 and can kickstart their holiday by dining in the restaurant car, which also serves breakfast, before making their way to the sleeper carriage.

• All you need to know about the Puglia region of Italy

The train stops in Caserta and Foggia before proceeding southwards, with drop-off only stops planned in Bari, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni, Carovigno, Brindisi and Lecce, where the train pulls in at 08.45 the next morning.

The rail service is scheduled on a limited number of days, travelling from Rome on Thursday 18 July, Thursday 25 July, Tuesday 13 August and Thursday 22 August.

Journeys from Lecce will depart from 19.45 (arriving in Rome at 10.20 the next day) on Friday 19 July, Friday 26 July, Wednesday 14 August and Friday 23 August.

For full details about the Espresso Salento see the FS Treni Turistici Italiani website .

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12 Best Small Towns in Italy

From walled hilltop destinations to boho beach spots, here are 12 of the best small towns in Italy.

Florence and Rome remain two of the best international destinations for gorgeous sights and delicious plates of pasta, but to see Italy as the locals do — and escape your fellow tourists — consider one of the country’s picturesque small towns.

While the majority of visitors flock to the major cities, you can find a more intimate kind of dolce vita in these storybook locations with their narrow medieval streets and quiet seaside dining. In Italian, a small town is a paesino, and these 12 paesino have everything Italy is good at — incredible history, culinary delights, and beautiful countryside views — but on a smaller scale, with populations under 10,000.

• Best tourist destination: Porto Venere, Liguria
• Underrated hidden gem: Treia, Marche
• Best for history buffs: Anghiari, Tuscany
• Best for foodies: Brisighella, Emilia-Romagna
• Best for the beach: San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily

From ski towns to truffle heaven, read on to find the 12 best small towns in Italy.

Porto Venere, Liguria

The nearby Cinque Terre towns are smaller than Porto Venere if you're going by population, but add in the tourists and you're at city numbers on the streets. Porto Venere — reached by a winding bus route across the mountains or by ferry — has all the sea views and cutesy alleyways of Cinque Terre, but it's not as busy, with more Italian than international visitors. Its seafront, which features brightly painted houses, is typical Genoese style, while the caruggi (alleys) behind it are filled with shops and bars. Stay at the Grand Hotel Portovenere — the former convent, current five-star boutique hotel that rises over Porto Venere and the marina. Can't skip Cinque Terre? Boats from here take you straight there.

Population: 3,273

Treia, Marche

Central Italy is packed with fortified medieval hill towns, all enjoying jaw-dropping views over the local landscape. Treia is one of the loveliest, perched amid the undulating hills around Macerata in the Marche region. While many equally pretty towns have been overtaken by tourism, Treia remains fiercely local, with storefronts more likely to house football clubs than souvenir shops. The surrounding countryside is full of excellent agriturismi and B&Bs. Bite into a calcione , a local cheese-filled pastry traditionally eaten around Easter. There’s also a popular historical reenactment that takes place in the summertime called Disfida del Bracciale (Bracelet Challenge); teams throw a 2kg wooden bracelet from one side of the court to another — and then the festivities fill the streets, with everyone eating and drinking late into the night.

Population: 9,093

Anghiari, Tuscany

This hilltop Tuscan town on the border of Umbria is overshadowed by the region's showstopper destinations , Despite being lesser-known, however, Anghiari is up there with Italy's loveliest spots: a walled town high on a bluff, with car-free alleyways roller coastering up and down the hillside, and crammed with grand palazzi and art-filled churches.

Walk the city walls for spectacular views toward Umbria and the Apennine Mountains; learn more about the 1440 battle between Florence and Milan at the brilliant Museo della Battaglia e di Anghiari , which has regular exhibitions in conjunction with Florence's Uffizi Galleries; and swim in the Tiber — yes, Rome's river, which is just a mountain stream here. Stay outside town at Agriturismo Terra di Michelangelo , located in the hills with sweeping views and an excellent restaurant.

Population: 5,450

Brisighella, Emilia-Romagna

As Italy's foodie capital, Emilia-Romagna is known for its pasta, prosciutto, and Parmesan — but not necessarily its olive oil. Things are different in Brisighella, where the hills heading toward Tuscany produce exceptional oil, bringing people from all over the region to its annual festival. In fact, the town, overlooked by an ancient castle, hosts several culinary events throughout the year, such as an artichoke festival in late spring and a truffle festival in November. Relais Varnello is a hotel nestled in the foothills with views of vineyards and olive groves. 

Population: 7,195

San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily

In the summer, people flock here for the nearly two-mile beach, splayed out at the foot of the town. But sunny San Vito — dangling into the Mediterranean on Sicily's northwestern tip — offers year-round charm. It punches above its weight culturally, with the Siciliambiente Film Festival in July, a fall climbing festival (the mountains rearing up behind town are a renowned destination for the sport), and the annual Cous Cous Fest in September, which brings chefs from all over the Mediterranean to share their traditional couscous recipes. San Vito is perfectly placed for outdoorsy vacations, with two nature reserves — Monte Cofano and Zingaro — nearby. Naturally, there are plenty of beachside hotels and B&Bs for your stay.

Population: 4,813

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Veneto

The "Queen of the Dolomites ," Cortina is a chichi ski resort — it has even been chosen as the location for the 2026 Winter Olympics. But the town is just as lovely off the slopes, thanks to the Regole — a collective of the descendants of the valley's earliest inhabitants, who are part of the local Ladin ethnic group. They've worked hard to stop Cortina from being overbuilt, meaning its small town center has remained largely unspoiled compared to other resorts. Stay at the luxurious 33-room Rosapetra Spa Resort for gorgeous views and fine dining. For an even more extensive taste of the local cuisine, visit the hills outside town for El Brite de Larieto , a working farm with a superb restaurant (the same family owns the Michelin-starred SanBrite).

Population: 5,549

Tropea, Calabria

Calabria is famously the toe of Italy's boot, and on the knobbly bit of the toe, you'll find the so-called "Coast of the Gods." At its midpoint (and in one of the best seaside locations in the Mediterranean) lies Tropea, where the cliffs plunge vertically into the sea and the volcano island of Stromboli belches smoke offshore in the distance. Tropea itself has beautiful palazzo-filled alleyways coming to an abrupt stop at the cliff face, where there's a pretty crescent of sand at the bottom. This quiet locale is mostly visited by Italian tourists in the know, so you'll really get to immerse yourself in the local culture. Book a room at Villa Paola , a 16th-century former convent that’s been converted into an adults-only, five-star hotel. Don't leave without trying Tropea's famous sweet red onion, so popular it even comes in the gelato.  

Population: 5,853

Norcia, Umbria

Already a thriving town when Rome was just a minor settlement, Norcia, in the Umbrian mountains, has long been a place of pilgrimage — both for religion (St. Benedict, who founded the Benedictine order of monks, was born here) and for food. So famous are the butchers here that norcineria has become the word used all over Italy for a type of deli, and prosciutto di Norcia is up there with Parma ham for its quality.

The town was devastated by an earthquake in 2016, but Norcia is holding on — and while many historic buildings, including the churches, still await restoration, the town's superb restaurants and food shops continue to operate. Some have relocated from their pre-quake locations, but the new surroundings haven't affected the quality — this is still one of Italy's best foodie destinations, especially if you like truffles (as this is Italy's black truffle capital). Cantina 48 is a top option, and for accommodations, stay at luxe retreat Palazzo Seneca , which also has its own Michelin-starred restaurant.

Population: 4,543

Palmanova, Friuli Venezia Giulia

Sebàstian Calanzone / EyeEm

Seen from the air, Palmanova is a gem — literally. Its striking star-shaped walls were built by its Venetian rulers in 1593, and they've been preserved so well that they're part of a UNESCO World Heritage network of Venetian defenses . Meanwhile, the elegant town itself radiates out in neat wedges from the hexagonal main square. Take a guided tour for a chance to step back in time and taste 16th-century Venetian cuisine. While its historical significance is reason enough to visit, the yearly reenactment of the start of the 1615 Ottoman—Habsburg wars is also a must-see. 

Population: 5,291

Bosa, Sardinia

Thought the Amalfi Coast was Italy's prettiest seaside road trip? Prepare to be blown away by Sardinia's west coast, where the road swerves around cliffs, wiggles across bridges, and switchbacks through towns and villages spilling down the cliffside. Bosa — on lower ground, astride the Temo river where it reaches the sea — is one of the prettiest areas in Italy. Its houses are painted in Instagram-friendly pastels and the town is watched over by an ancient castle. Following the river just outside of town, you'll find Bosa Marina, one of Sardinia's most popular beaches. Villa Asfodeli is a lovely albergo diffuso (scattered hotel), located in Tresnuraghes, a 15-minute drive away.

Population: 7,488

Otranto, Puglia

When Horace Walpole wrote his 1764 gothic horror novel, "The Castle of Otranto," he hadn't actually been there; if he had, perhaps the book would have been less of a screamfest. This beautiful fishing town spilling down the hillside on the Salento peninsula — the spike on Puglia's heel of the Italian boot — oozes dolce vita, from the restaurants serving freshly netted fish (we recommend LaltroBaffo ) to the white-stoned palazzi lining the streets. There is a 15th-century castle, and the cathedral has one of the finest mosaic floors in Italy, with zodiac signs, the Tower of Babel, and even Alexander the Great on it, all done in the 12th century. Hotel Palazzo Papaleo provides charming accommodations, as well as a terrace restaurant and a spa. 

Population: 5,646

Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio

Around 11 people live in Civita, once a thriving Renaissance town, later largely abandoned due to subsidence (this is Lazio's canyon country). Most locals now live in Bagnoregio, the town sitting across the canyon, while access to Civita itself — now just a nub of the original town, the rest having fallen into the abyss — is via a long, steep walkway.

That said, it's an Italian borgo (village) at its best, with cobbled alleyways, flowerpots on the doorways, and gasp-inducing views of the badlands surrounding it. Despite its tiny population, Civita is home to an exceptional restaurant that wouldn't be out of place in Rome or Milan — Alma Civita , sculpted from the rock face by the pre-Roman Etruscan civilization.

Population: 11

Related Articles

5 Amazing Ancient Ruins in Rome (That Aren't the Colosseum)

R ome is full of ruins. You practically can’t turn a corner without seeing an ancient temple or statue or column. Obviously the Colosseum is the most popular site to visit, but don’t stop there! Here are the best ancient ruins in Rome that AREN’T the Colosseum!

Want to go underground to a 1st century Roman street? How about walking through the ruins of an ancient palace? Here are the best ruins to add to your Rome itinerary .

Pro Tip: Save money visit Rome’s museums and ancient sites with the Go City Pass . You can get the Explorer Pass and choose how many of the included attraction you want to see. But be sure to check the prices of your specific activities to make sure it’s the right deal for you!

Basilica San Clemente

The Basilica San Clemente is such a fantastic attraction in Rome that I think is completely underrated! A lot of people don’t know about it, but it was one of our favorite places we went in Rome. And anytime I know someone going to Rome, I always talk them into visiting this gem.

Within walking distance of the Colosseum, the Basilica San Clemente is a modern Basilica with an interesting history that you can literally descend into.

In the late 1800s, the Prior of the church began excavating beneath it and uncovered a 4th century basilica. Further excavations revealed a section of 1st Century Rome that had been destroyed in the fire of Nero in 64 A.D. At this level you can find an altar of Mithras, an alleyway, and what is thought to be an apartment room and school room.

The thing that is so amazing about San Clemente is that you can see these layers of history and the way Rome has been built on top of itself over and over again. It is such a unique experience to be able to descend into the different levels of Roman history and walk around in them.

Tips Visiting Basilica San Clemente

The Basilica San Clemente is location at Via Labicana 95, just a few blocks east of the Colosseum.

The San Clemente Basilica is a sacred site, so be sure to wear appropriate and modest clothing (as you would when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica).

Palatine Hill

The Palatine Hill was once the home of ancient Roman emperors and elites. Now it is an open air museum of sorts, and it’s one of our favorite ruins to visit in Rome because it has such a relaxing feel to it. Wandering through the Palatine Hill truly makes you feel like you are not in the middle of a busy city!

Stroll through the grassy meadows just southwest of the Colosseum and explore the Palace of Domitian, which includes a stadium, as well as the houses of other nobility, and ancient temples. The Palatine Hill also provides some beautiful views of Rome and the Colosseum.

Tips for Visiting the Palatine Hill

Tickets to the Palatine Hill include admission to the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. You can also pay extra to book a guided 3 hour tour through the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum.

Don’t rush yourself here and be sure to allow plenty of time to enjoy this beautiful place!

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is just east of the Colosseum and was once the center of Roman government. It’s smaller than the Palatine Hill and can get more crowded, but it is full of truly rich history.

Here you can find the public forums and a civic hall, temples, statues, and even the ruins of an ancient Roman jail. It really is like walking through a central city block in ancient Rome (although of course you have to picture that all the buildings are in their prime.)

We highly recommend finding some kind of guide for your visit, whether you go on a guided tour or use something like the Rick Steves Roman Forum audio tour and map .

Visiting the Roman Forum

Tickets to the Roman Forum include admission the Palatine Hill and Colosseum. You can also pay extra to book a guided 3 hour tour through the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum or purchase an audio guide ticket.

The Jewish Ghetto

The Jewish Ghetto is an area of Rome just north of Tiber Island. The Jewish Ghetto was established in 1555 and for centuries was home to Rome’s Jewish population.

Today it is part of the regular city of Rome, but several ancient ruins still exist in the area. We love this area because the streets are lovely to stroll through and you stumble upon the ruins of the ghetto which are just interspersed with everything else.

This area was also subject to tragic round-ups of Jews during WWII, and if you look at the ground you can see gold markers indicating where various members of the community were arrested.

Visiting the Jewish Ghetto

There is no ticket for the Jewish Ghetto — it is just part of the city of Rome! Downloading a guide for your visit might be helpful though.

Largo de Torre Argentina

The Largo de Torre Argentina is located just north of the Jewish Ghetto. Here you can see the ruins of several temples and a theater. You can’t actually wander through these ruins, but you can walk along the edge of them. My favorite thing here is that the Largo de Torre Argentina is home to a colony of cats!

Visiting the Largo de Torre Argentina

There is no ticket for the Largo de Torre Argentina; rather it makes a great quick stop as you are wandering through the streets of Rome.

More Ancient Ruins in Rome

Even beyond these five ruins to see, there so many more ancient ruins in Rome. Here’s a some to considering visiting:

• Circus Maximus — A ruins of a chariot stadium and a place where ancient Roman’s gathered for games and competition. Located just south of the Palatine Hill. (You can actually see it from certain spots on the Palatine Hill.)
• Via Sacra — A major street of ancient Rome that leads to the Colosseum and has lots to see along it still.
• Baths of Diocletian — The largest public bath in Rome (Seriously, it’s a huge complex!) and part of the National Museum of Rome. Located just northwest of the Termini train station.
• Baths of Caracalla — Once the second largest public baths in Rome. Located south of the Colosseum.
• Teatro Marcello — A theater planned by Julius Caesar and built by Augustus. Located just north of Tiber Island.
• Pyramid of Cestius — A Egyptian-style pyramid that was the burial spot for Gaius Cestius, an ancient Roman magistrate. Located in the southern part of the city.
• Via Appia — The Appian Way was one of ancient Rome’s most important roads, and part of it runs through Rome. The most popular part to visit in Rome is the Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica.
• Ostia Antica — Technically this isn’t quite in Rome, but its a large archaeological park of an ancient city near Rome’s port. It takes about 30 minutes to drive there from central Rome, or about 1.5 hours on public transportation.

You Might Also Like

• 3 Day Rome Itinerary for First Time Visitors
• 10 Day Italy Itinerary: Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Milan

The post 5 Amazing Ancient Ruins in Rome (That Aren’t the Colosseum) appeared first on Flying Off The Bookshelf .

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Sicily, a Mediterranean gem, is a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. The region offers breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages, historical heritage, and delicious cuisine.

Why visit Sicily?

Sicily is unique, rich in historical cities, wonderful coasts, and a varied landscape. You can explore ancient ruins, admire baroque architecture, or immerse yourself in the pristine nature of regional parks.

Sicily and its history

Known for its rich history, Sicily has been a crossroads of civilizations. The Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans have left their mark, influencing architecture, language, and culture.

Sicilian Villages

Located on a mountain, Erice offers breathtaking views of the sea and nearby islands. Its medieval old town is rich in churches and castles.

Taormina, with its cobbled streets and historical monuments, offers breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Etna. Don't miss the famous Greek Theatre.

Natural beauties of Sicily

Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, offers lunar landscapes and panoramic views. Excursions and activities are available for all skill levels.

Zingaro Reserve

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The cities of Sicily

Palermo, the capital, is a mix of cultures with breathtaking monuments, vibrant markets, and delicious cuisine. Don't miss the Palatine Chapel and the historical markets.

Syracuse, with its historic center on the Island of Ortigia, offers archaeological sites, a baroque cathedral, and breathtaking views of the sea. A magical place for an unforgettable journey.

Catania, Sicily's second largest city, sits at the foot of Mount Etna. The city offers a vibrant nightlife, a rich historical and architectural heritage, and a lively fish market. Don't miss the Cathedral of Saint Agatha and Ursino Castle.

Agrigento is famous for the Valley of the Temples, an extraordinary archaeological site with well-preserved Greek temples. The city itself has a charming old town with a cathedral and several historic palaces.

Trapani is known for its beautiful port, the salt pans with characteristic windmills, and access to the Egadi Islands. The city's old town is a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets with numerous restaurants and shops.

Ragusa, famous for its baroque architecture, is divided into two parts: Ragusa Ibla, the old town, and Ragusa Superiore, the modern part. The city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique atmosphere, with its baroque churches and palaces.

Messina is a bustling port city with an extraordinary view of the Strait of Messina. The city offers various monuments, including the Messina Cathedral with its astronomical clock, one of the largest in the world.

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